New research from scientists in China indicates that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can help treat autoimmune-related lung fibrosis. The stem cells help by changing the composition of T-cells from a toxic state to a regulatory one. 

The team from Guangzhou Medical University observed a change in T-cells when a molecule named TGF-β1 was expressed by the stem cells. TGF-β1 is strongly pro-biotic and selectively targeted the toxic T-cells.

The researchers have been working towards a treatment for Interstitial pneumonia — a condition that causes inflammation of lung tissue and can lead to increased scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. They have been trying to understand which immune cells cause lung fibrosis.

They analysed bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood samples from 28 patients with  autoimmune connective tissue disease and 23 control subjects. They found a high number of cytotoxic T-cells in both blood and lung tissue of patients with the inflammatory condition. They also noticed that the number of T-cells (Tregs) that regulate inflammation was higher.

They decided to add mesenchymal stem cells to isolated human lung fibroblasts and T-cells in the laboratory. They were interested in determining if the documented anti-inflammatory aspect of MSCs had a noticeable effect on cells with this autoimmune condition.

The mesenchymal stem cells increased the number of Tregs (regulatory cells) while reducing the number of cytotoxic cells. That lowered the levels of inflammatory cytokines and reduced the cellular changes that create fibrosis. The MSCs that secreted high levels of the TGF-β1 molecule were the most effective. 

The findings could lead to new treatments for conditions that cause scarring of the lungs.

Source: Pro-Fibrotic Factor in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Seen to Trigger Anti-Fibrotic Response

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